Podolski wants to end Italy’s dominance
Lukas Podolski, Germany
Germany have failed to triumph over the Azzurri in any of their seven tournament clashes, the last of which saw the hosts crash out of the 2006 World Cup at the semifinal stage following extra-time strikes from Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero.
The victors of Thursday’s clash in Warsaw will go on to face either Spain or Portugal in Sunday’s final and Podolski is confident that the Mannschaft, who are currently on a 15-match winning streak in competitive fixtures, can overcome their Italy hoodoo.
"It's the time to break that streak," Podolski told Bild.
"Since 2006 we have improved enormously. Today we have a whole different philosophy and a different team. The Italians also know that.
"One thing is clear - we want to be in the final, so we have to beat the Italians. Therefore, this will hopefully be the end for Italy in this European Championship."
Joachim Low’s men are the only side left in the competition with a 100 per cent record, having triumphed over the Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal and Greece on their way to the penultimate stage.
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